Press Releases2024-12-19T09:46:45-07:00

Press Releases & Media Statements

To schedule an interview with one of our policy team members, or be added to or removed from our press release list, please contact Alex McCausland

May 062020

Statement: Child Advocates Oppose Austerity, Press for Investments in Wake of State Revenue Estimates

"The revenue estimate highlights how overly dependent New Mexico is on revenue from the volatile oil and gas industries. Thanks to ill-advised tax cuts in the past, oil and gas now account for one-third of the state budget. We simply can’t be that reliant on an industry with a boom-or-bust track record, particularly when the whole economy sours and other revenue streams take a hit due to the pandemic."

Apr 302020

NM’s Immigrants Mostly Left Out of COVID-19 Relief

Many of New Mexico’s immigrants – including some with legal residency – have been mostly left out of ongoing state and federal relief efforts put in place to help blunt the coming recession and assist displaced workers and small business owners. That is one of the conclusions of a report released today to coincide with International Workers’ Day, which is May 1.

Mar 252020

Trump Administration Should Postpone Oil and Gas Lease Sales Until Prices Stabilize

While New Mexico families are focused on making sure their loved ones are safe and healthy during this fast-moving crisis, other problems are brewing at the state level that may cause pain for years to come. Plummeting oil and gas prices are draining the state budget of funds needed for public safety, health care, education, and more. Actions by the Trump Administration will make this long-term revenue crisis worse.

Feb 042020

Policy Brief: State Should End Exclusions for Effective Anti-Poverty Tax Credit

“Given that we have one of the highest child poverty rates in the nation, it’s in the state’s best interest to expand this tax credit to more hard-working families with children,” said James Jimenez, executive director of New Mexico Voices for Children. “No child should be deprived of the benefits of this tax credit because of where their parents were born.”

Feb 032020

Community Groups Sue Air Force Over Kirtland Jet Fuel Cleanup

“Children have been born, grown up, and become adults while the Air Force has been dragging its feet and interminably delaying cleanup. We owe it to the next generation of children to make sure the Air Force delays no longer,” said Kenneth J. Martinez, Chair of the Board of Directors for New Mexico Voices for Children.

Jan 292020

New Mexico Senate Approves Funding Bill for 2020 Census Efforts, Heads to House Committee

“Ensuring an accurate census count is crucial for improving child well-being in our state because so much of the funding for health, education, and food security programs that New Mexico kids depend upon is determined by the census,” said Amber Wallin, deputy director of New Mexico Voices for Children. “One of the most important things our state can do to address child well-being is ensure that this legislation is passed and signed.”

Jan 152020

Annual NM KIDS COUNT Data Book Shows Mixed Bag for Child Well-being

“We’re clearly not adequately providing opportunity for children of color, who make up the largest segment of our child population,” said James Jimenez, executive director of NM Voices. “When we’re OK with the fact that so many of our children lack the opportunities they need to be successful, we really paint a dire picture for the future.”

Jan 072020

Child Advocates Disappointed with LFC Budget Recommendation for Early Childhood Care and Learning Services

Once again, some in the Legislature want to continue this slow-drip process for funding early childhood care and education services. Unfortunately, the Legislative Finance Committee budget recommendation is far below the investments needed in the programs that matter most to New Mexico kids and families and far below the responsible recommendations made by Governor Lujan Grisham.

Go to Top